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Investing in Behavioral and Mental Health Care to Improve the Healthcare System

The events of 2020 highlighted the need for better mental health care, as the COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on emotional well-being. A survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that over half of U.S. adults experienced increased stress and anxiety. Addressing these challenges requires both mental and behavioral health care. While mental health care focuses on conditions like depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, behavioral health care takes a broader approach, including substance use and lifestyle habits that impact overall well-being. Investing in both areas is important for improving individual well-being, fostering healthier communities, reducing long-term healthcare costs and improving workforce productivity.

AHPA Recognizes That Behavioral and Mental Health Care are Determinants of Health

AHPA believes that addressing mental and behavioral health care requires a holistic approach that integrates mental and behavioral care into broader health and community support systems. Our strategic priorities include incorporating mental health care into primary health services, expanding access to behavioral health services, strengthening community-based resources and addressing workforce shortages amongst behavioral and mental healthcare workers. We focus on reducing healthcare costs through preventive measures, reinforcing public health infrastructure and investing in social determinants of health, such as secure housing and community support systems. Through our work, AHPA advocates for a national mental health policy and policies that promote sustainable improvements in behavioral health care, fostering healthier communities. 

Government Investment Can Create Sustainable Behavioral and Mental Health Care Solutions Nationwide

Funding can support:

  • Eliminating barriers to care: Congress can remove administrative and technological obstacles to telepsychiatry and virtual behavioral and mental health services, making care more accessible, particularly in rural communities where geography often limits access.
  • Expanding community-based services: Increased investment in outpatient care, crisis intervention training and community service personnel strengthens local support networks and reduces dependence on emergency rooms.
  • Promoting early intervention and prevention: Investment in preventive strategies—particularly for children—can reduce the severity of mental health conditions and address behaviors that contribute to long-term health challenges.
  • Integrating behavioral and mental health into primary care: Incorporating mental and behavioral health services into routine healthcare visits reduces stigma, increases early intervention and simplifies access to treatments.

The five AHPA health systems are already leading the way in addressing behavioral and mental health care within their communities:

AdventHealth Expands Behavioral Health Access, Treatment and Community Support

  • Expanding Access to Behavioral Health Care: AdventHealth integrates behavioral health into primary care through the Collaborative Care Program, partnering with Concert Health to ensure same-day access for conditions like depression and anxiety. The Collaborative Care Model (CoCM) expands system-wide access with digital depression screenings and 24-hour behavioral health services, streamlining early detection and intervention for patients and team members.
  • Comprehensive and Specialized Treatment: Offering a full spectrum of care—including inpatient, outpatient and substance use recovery services—AdventHealth supports individuals managing depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma and mood disorders. The Hope & Healing Center provides structured residential and outpatient programs, removing barriers to long-term recovery.
  • Investing in Behavioral Health Infrastructure: AdventHealth continues to expand mental health services, opening a 4,000-square-foot outpatient center in Kansas City and launching a $15 million fundraising campaign to improve regional care. A $6 million grant from Dr. Phillips Charities supports pediatric and adolescent mental health, promoting early diagnosis and reducing emergency room visits.
  • Community Outreach & Mental Health Advocacy: AdventHealth addresses stigma through culturally tailored initiatives like Lidera ConscienteMENTE, which provides Spanish-language resources for Hispanic communities, and the Be a Mindleader Movement, which fosters mental health conversations through workshops and digital content. The Mental Health First Aid Program trained 253 individuals across seven counties, equipping them with crisis response skills to increase awareness and reduce stigma.

Loma Linda University Health is Strengthening Behavioral and Mental Health Care Through Prevention, Intervention and Innovation

  • Emergency and Integrated Behavioral Health Care: LLUH secured $6 million in grants to establish pediatric and adult emergency psychiatric assessment, treatment, and healing (EmPATH) units, reducing inpatient hospitalizations for mental health crises. A $7.4 million grant expanded behavioral health integration, adding onsite therapists to pediatric specialty clinics and implementing mental health and substance use screenings.
  • Comprehensive Treatment Programs: LLUH offers inpatient and intensive outpatient care for adults, seniors, adolescents and individuals with chemical dependency. Specialized programs include an Adolescent Self-Injury Program using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and The MEND program, supporting patients and families coping with serious medical conditions.
  • Community-Based Mental Health & Violence Prevention: Trauma-informed initiatives provide mentorship and support for at-risk youth, former inmates and victims of violence, addressing root causes like gang involvement, substance use and unemployment to improve long-term outcomes.
  • Providing Safe Spaces and Support on the Ground: LLUH’s Street Medicine team delivers healthcare, behavioral health support and substance use counseling to San Bernardino’s unhoused population. The Resiliency Clinic offers a space for stress management, grief, co-parenting and anxiety support groups.
  • Healing Environment: The Mathews Bolden Family Therapeutic Courtyard, unveiled in May 2024, provides a tranquil outdoor space to support inpatient mental well-being.

Adventist Health is Advancing Behavioral and Mental Health Care Through Community Focused Efforts

  • Comprehensive Behavioral Health Services: Adventist Health provides inpatient, outpatient and crisis care for conditions like PTSD, addiction and grief. The 33-bed Behavioral Medicine Unit at Adventist Health White Memorial offers specialized treatment for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression and anxiety. Specialized programs include the Live Well Program for chronic conditions, the Transitions Program for seniors and the Return to Work Program for individuals re-entering the workforce.
  • Expanding Access to Mental Health Support: Adventist Health improves accessibility through secure telehealth services and community-based resources that help individuals manage toxic stress. The Homeless Health Navigation Project supports unhoused patients post-hospitalization, reducing readmissions. 
  • Advocacy & Policy Leadership: Adventist Health advocates for investments in expanding the mental health workforce, making telehealth accessible and providing integrated primary care services, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
  • Raising Awareness: The “Reminded” initiative, a mental health awareness program launched in October 2023, offers educational films, social media outreach and plans for a podcast and documentary series.

Adventist HealthCare is Expanding Behavioral and Mental Health Care Services to Meet Community Needs

  • Offering a Full Spectrum of Mental Health Services: Adventist HealthCare provides inpatient, outpatient and crisis care for conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, addiction, PTSD and grief. Specialized programs, such as the Outpatient Wellness Clinic for individuals five and older and the FASTT initiative, support children and families with therapy, medication management and attachment-focused care. Children also benefit from specialized support services, including art and play therapy.
  • Expanding Offerings: Adventist HealthCare offers telemental health assessments in partnership with Fort Washington Medical Center and is increasing capacity with a new six-story patient tower at Shady Grove Medical Center, which will be fully operational by late 2025. Accredited by the Joint Commission, Adventist HealthCare upholds high-quality behavioral health standards.

Kettering Health is Improving Access to Behavioral and Mental Health Care Through Collaboration and Specialized Programs

  • Comprehensive Behavioral Health Services: Kettering Health’s Behavioral Medical Center offers inpatient, outpatient and counseling services for individuals of all ages, including intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and medication management. In June 2024, IOP services expanded to Miamisburg, increasing access to care for south Dayton residents. Specialized programs include “After the Call,” which supports first responders with stress and anxiety management, and EMDR therapy for trauma-focused care.
  • Community-Based Mental Health Initiatives: Kettering Health collaborates with interfaith organizations to provide Pathways to Mental Well-being, equipping religious leaders with tools to support congregations. The Healthcare Navigators Program connects individuals to mental health, substance use disorder and social services. 
  • Integrated & Collaborative Care: Kettering Health strengthens partnerships between behavioral health, primary care and emergency services to improve patient outcomes. As part of this effort, it is collaborating with local organizations to develop Pathways to Mental Well-being, a video series that equips faith leaders with mental health education tools to better support their communities.

The Opportunity to Transform Behavioral and Mental Health Care

By prioritizing investments in both mental and behavioral health care, policymakers and health organizations can create sustainable, long-term solutions that improve overall public health. Strengthening community support systems, expanding access to care and integrating mental and behavioral health into primary health services will lead to healthier individuals and communities. Sustainable progress requires a collaborative approach, bringing together healthcare providers, community organizations, government agencies and individuals to address root causes, promote early intervention and create lasting improvements in the healthcare system.

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